OPRA exam Guide for 2025: Dates, fees, preparation & more
Introduction
For pharmacists looking for excellent job opportunities, a high standard of living & career advancement, Australia is a desirable destination. Because of Australia’s competitive pay, well-regulated healthcare system, and high demand of qualified pharmacists, many candidates around the world aspire to work there. But reaching this goal can be daunting because of the extensive process involved in the licensing process. Completing qualifying standards, and looking into several employment options are a part of this journey. This guide will help you to take appropriate actions to turn your goal into a reality by offering insights into the Australian pharmacy career path
Why should you consider Australia as a career option?
- Australia has a clear pathway to permanent residency for pharmacists from the home country itself.
- A lot of job opportunities for pharmacists such as clinical pharmacists, retail pharmacists, hospital pharmacists etc.
- Comparatively higher pay
- High standards of living which includes free education for kids, Medicare etc.
What is the OPRA Examination?
The OPRA examination is designed to assess the qualification & competencies of overseas-trained pharmacists who wish to practice in Australia. This exam is conducted by APC. It is a mandatory process for the international pharmacists to demonstrate the knowledge & skills that meet the Australian Standards.
Key Features:
- Candidates who have bachelor’s degree or higher is eligible
- Proof of active registration with the pharmacy council of your home country or eligibility to apply is mandatory
- Experience in the field is not mandatory.
- It is a multiple-choice exam consist of 120 questions in a single paper
Exam takes around 2.5 hours to complete - Computer based online examination
- Cost of the examination is AUD 2190.00
- Validity of examination is 3 years
- There no limit for number of attempts
- There is no age limit for attempting the OPRA exam. However, for visa application 45 year old is the age limit
Key differences between OPRA vs KAPS
| Key features | KAPS Exam | OPRA Exam |
| Mainly targets | Theoretical knowledge of overseas pharmacists | Practical, clinical application |
| Question style | Theory based, more concentrated on memorisation | It is more Case-based and on real-world scenarios |
| duration | 2 hours | 2.5 hours |
| accessibility | Global online test centres | Global online test centres |
| Mode of exam | Online computer based | Online computer based |
| Scoring method | Traditional scoring method | Rasch methodology of scoring |
What is the OPRA Exam syllabus?
| Subject areas | Mark distribution | details |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% | Physiology, pathophysiology, immunology, microbiology, biochemistry |
| Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics | 10% | Drug formulations, stability, drug interactions, drug development process |
| Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics | 10% | Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME), drug effects on body |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | 15% | Mechanisms of drug action, adverse effects, management of poisoning |
| Therapeutics & Patient Care | 45% | Clinical case management, prescription evaluation, patient counselling, medication safety, public health |
OPRA Exam dates for 2025
| Registration period | Exam dates | Results released |
| 9 January – 31 January 2025 | 3 – 5 March 2025 | 1 April 2025 |
| 8 April – 16 June 2025 | 14 – 16 July 2025 | 12 August 2025 |
| 19 August – 27 October 2025 | 24 – 26 November 2025 | 22 December 2025 |
What after OPRA Exam – English Proficiency requirement?
| TEST | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall 7.0 (min 7.0 in each band) |
| OET (Pharmacy) | Minimum B in each band |
| PTE Academic | Overall 65 (min 65 in each band) |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 94 (min 24 in listening, 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 23 in speaking) |
How choosing an OPRA Exam preparation course at Elite Expertise can be a game changer?
Passing the OPRA Exam needs proper preparation and a strategic approach. Elite Expertise is best online educational platform for pharmacists who are preparing for various licensure exams like KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, and PSI
We offer:
- 90%+ success rate on first-attempt itself
- Candidates are provided with Comprehensive study material & mock exams.
- Personalized mentorship by world best educators-Mr. Arief Mohammad & Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu (Accredited consultant clinical pharmacists in Australia).
- Provide 24*7 from the admin team including Assistance with exam registration & process guidance.
- Offers Flexible online classes for global candidates.
Conclusion
If you are looking for exciting opportunities to work and live in a developed county, Australia can be an option. Becoming pharmacists in Australia is a rewarding journey that requires careful planning, dedication and right support. From skills assessment to successfully passing your OPRA examination & PTE examination, Elite Expertise is here to guide you in every step. Our Expert assistance ensures to navigate our pharmacists through each step with confidence.
With Elite expertise, your dream of becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia is safe & secure. Let’s help you turn your aspiration into reality and embark on a successful career in the Australian healthcare system.
